Abstract: A patient hydration system and method wherein a urine collection system is connected to the patient. An infusion system is also connected to the patient. An infusion pump is connected to a source of hydration fluid. A control subsystem is responsive to the amount of urine output by the patient and configured to automatically adjust the infusion rate of the infusion pump based on the urine output by the patient.

Abstract: Programmable infusion systems and method for controlled infusion of diagnostic or therapeutic substances (e.g., drugs, biologics, fluids, cell preparations, etc.) into the bodies of human or animal subjects.

Abstract: A system for determining drug administration information may comprise an input device providing for user input of feed forward information having a first parameter component and a second parameter component, a data storage device and a processor. The data storage device may have stored therein a map correlating values of the first and second parameters to drug administration information. The processor may be responsive to user input of the feed forward information to determine corresponding drug administration information according to the map.

Abstract: A system for producing a contrast-enhanced medical image of a patient includes a source of a contrast or enhancement medium, a pressurizing unit in fluid connection with the source of contrast or enhancement medium, an energy source operable to apply energy to a region of the patient, an imaging unit providing a visual display of an internal view of the patient based upon a signal resulting from the energy applied to the region of the patient, and a control unit. In an embodiment, the signal is affected by a condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient. To control the procedures, the control unit adjusts the condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient based upon the signal. A communication interface preferably enables information between an injector subsystem and an imaging subsystem.

Abstract: A thrombectomy catheter deployment system which greatly simplifies setup procedures and operation of a thrombectomy catheter includes a stand alone drive unit and a disposable pump/catheter assembly which is manually placed into a carriage assembly in the drive unit. The pump/catheter assembly has a plurality of preconnected components including tubular structure and a thrombectomy catheter connected thereto and is transported into or out of the interior of the drive unit for automatic high pressure pump piston head engagement or disengagement with a reciprocating linear actuator and for automatic engagement or disengagement of an effluent waste tube with a roller pump. A barcode reader senses specific operational data pertaining to an individual pump and provides an interface for operation of the reciprocating linear actuator. A bubble trap incorporated for effective debubbling of saline solution is closely coupled to an insert molded pump having an improved valve arrangement.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a remotely activated piezoelectric pump for delivery of biological agents to the intervertebral disc and spine in order to achieve spinal fusion. A spinal pump is implanted on the vertebrae of a patient and a spinal cage is inserted in between two adjacent vertebrae after removal of the vertebrae disc. A piezoelectric motor drives the pump and pushes osteogenetic agent through the spinal cage and into a sponge disposed within the cage. The pump is charged by an external removable induction belt worn by the patient. Delivery duration and delivery frequency may be changed before implantation of the spine pump according to the specific needs of the patient. The current device employs a mathematical model that enables the regulation as well as attenuation of the bone fusion process by extending and generalizing the model to enhance and optimize the delivery of osteogenetic agent in a regulated manner.

Abstract: A device (1) is designed for locating a region which is situated in a body (10). The device has a fluid-filled reservoir (30) which is closed off in a sealed manner by a displaceable plunger (32) and is connected to a hollow puncture needle (20). To measure the pressure prevailing in the fluid, the device has a pressure gauge (40). A signal converter (50) is used to convert a continuous pressure-measurement signal provided by the pressure gauge (40) into a form which is suitable for further processing. A synthesizer (60) is designed to process the converted pressure-measurement signal into a continuous sound signal which is representative of the pressure. If, during a displacement of the puncture needle (20), a needle point (21) reaches the anatomical cavity (15), the result is a readily perceptible change in the sound signal. The device records the pressure-measurement signal over the course of time.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area.

Abstract: A fluid injection apparatus includes at least one pressurizing mechanism and at least a first fluid container (for example, a syringe or a bulk container) operably associated with the at least one pressurizing mechanism. The first fluid container is adapted to contain a first fluid to be injected. The fluid injection apparatus also includes a controller operably associated with the at least one pressurizing mechanism. The controller includes a programming system to allow programming of an injection protocol including, for example, a plurality of phases. At least one parameter generator is provided to determine parameters of at least one of the plurality of phases of the protocol based at least in part upon a type of the injection procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powder delivery system containing a composition comprising gelatin or collagen powder having a mean particle size of at least 10 ?m. The gelatin or collagen powder is typically in dry form, i.e. no liquid components and/or propellants are added to the composition. The present invention is also directed to an improved powder delivery system which contains a protective structure, such as a skirt, located close to the orifice of the delivery system. In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to gelatin- or collagen-based compositions useful in hemostatic applications. In a further aspect of the invention the powder delivery system comprises gelatin or collagen powder in a dry form ready to use. Further the powder delivery system in a dry form might comprise an agent incompatible with moisture and/or water.

Abstract: A controllable drug delivery device for delivering a liquid injectable drug, the device comprising a drug reservoir (22), a drug administration device (28), a displacement-generating battery (20), and a current-depletion circuit (85), wherein displacement generated by the battery as current is depleted from the battery by the current depletion circuit displaces a wall of the drug reservoir thereby causing the reservoir to expel liquid injectable drug contained therein via the drug administration device, and wherein the drug delivery device further includes a controller (78) that is responsive to a measured parameter indicative of displacement generated by the battery for applying a variable load (80) across the battery in order to provide a substantially constant-current depletion of the battery and thereby cause the drug delivery device to deliver a substantially constant drug delivery rate.

Abstract: An infusion pump includes: a housing, a pump actuator supported by the housing, electronics configured to control the pump actuator, a pain controlled analgesic (“PCA”) input device, a cord having a remote end connected to the PCA input device and a local end connected to the housing, a remote integrated circuit; and a local integrated circuit in communication with the electronics and the remote integrated circuit so as to provide operational information concerning the PCA input device to the electronics.

Abstract: A volume of fluid moved by a pump, such as a pump in an APD system, may be determined without direct measurement of the fluid, such as by flow meter, weight, etc. For example, a volume of a pump chamber (181) (having a movable element that varies the volume of the pump chamber) may be determined by measuring pressure in the pump chamber and a reference chamber, both while the two chambers are isolated from each other, and after the two chambers are fluidly connected so that pressures in the chambers may equalize. Equalization of the pressures may be assumed to occur in an adiabatic way, e.g., a mathematical model of the system that is based on an adiabatic pressure equalization process may be used to determine the pump chamber volume.

Abstract: A medical pump that provides advance guidance to a user regarding existence and limits of a valid input range for a pump programming parameter includes an input device for entering a value of a pump programming parameter, a memory for storing constraints related to the pump programming parameter, and a processor in communication with the memory and the input device. The processor dynamically utilizes the constraints to determine and generate a signal indicating whether a valid input range exists for a to-be-entered value of the pump programming parameter and notifies the user.

Abstract: A pump system selectably controls the temperature, flow rate, flow volume, and flow pressure of a fluid being infused into a patient's body. The pump system includes a cartridge and components that removably connect with a pump housing and corresponding components, providing simple attachment of the cartridge to the pump housing. The pump housing includes a pressure sensor, a bubble detector, and a temperature sensor on a first side of the pump housing, and an engaging actuator and a central controller. The cartridge includes on a first side a heat exchanger, a pressure receptor correspondingly aligned with the pressure sensor, and a detector interface correspondingly aligned with the bubble detector and temperature sensor. Upon aligning the cartridge with the pump housing and actuating the engaging actuator, the pressure receptor communicates with the pressure sensor and the detector interface aligns with the bubble detector and temperature sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood sugar level control system equipped with an insulin dispensing device 2 and a blood sugar measuring device 3. An attachment mechanism 4 is provided which serves to couple the insulin dispensing device 2 and said blood sugar measuring device 3 in a relatively movable manner. Preferably, the attachment mechanism 4 is constructed so that the blood sugar measuring device 3 is movable or slidable with respect to the insulin dispensing device 2. A blood sugar level control system can be provided which includes a blood sugar measuring device and an insulin dispensing device without using an adapter. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a cost rise due to an increase in the number of parts as required. In addition, it is possible to prevent the blood sugar level control system from being unable to be used due to the loss of an adapter in the form of a different part.

Abstract: The inventive endoscopy system includes a cannula for arranging an endoscope and forming, between said cannula and endoscope, an irrigation or aspiration channel for transporting an irrigation or aspiration fluid, respectively, a connection ring mounted around the cannula and provided with a connection channel connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and a connector which is mounted on the connection ring and includes a transport channel with the connection channel and a first pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the transport channel. The connection ring is provided with a bypass circuit connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and the connector including a dead channel connectable to the bypass circuit and a second pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the dead channel.

Abstract: A medical remote controller device is disclosed. The device includes a display and at least one input switch dedicated to bolus delivery wherein a bolus delivery is programmed when the input switch receives an input and wherein the number of inputs received by the input switch determines the amount of bolus to be delivered.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a patient including an exit port assembly adapted to connect to a transcutaneous patient access tool, a flow path extending from the exit port assembly, and a flow condition sensor assembly including a resilient diaphragm having opposing first and second surfaces. The first surface of the diaphragm is positioned against the flow path, and a chamber wall is positioned adjacent the second surface of the diaphragm and defines a sensor chamber against the second surface of the diaphragm. At least one sensor is arranged to provide a threshold signal when the second surface of the diaphragm expands into the chamber in response to at least one predetermined fluid flow condition occurring in the flow path.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering therapeutic fluid to a patient's body are described. The devices may comprise a dispensing unit having a reservoir, a driving mechanism having a movable member for delivering therapeutic fluid to a patient's body, at least one sensor for sensing a relative position of the movable member and generating a signal, and a processor for controlling the driving mechanism to deliver an amount of therapeutic fluid that compensates for a change in the flow of the therapeutic fluid occurring during fluid delivery. The methods may be implemented by operating the driving mechanism, receiving a signal based on the position of the movable member, determining an amount of therapeutic fluid to deliver, and controlling the driving mechanism to deliver an amount of fluid that compensates for a change in flow occurring during fluid delivery.

Abstract: A system for controlled delivery of medicinal fluid includes a fluid pathway assembly defining a fluid pathway and including means for calculating a first calculated fluid flow rate using gas laws. The fluid pathway assembly has an inline flow sensor element received within the fluid pathway movable in response to fluid flowing in the fluid pathway. A flow control device is removably attached to the fluid pathway assembly and has a sensor for sensing a position of the inline flow sensor element in the fluid pathway, the position of the inline flow sensor element being representative of a second calculated fluid flow rate. The fluid pathway assembly includes a variable flow resistor adjustable to regulate a rate of fluid flow in the fluid pathway assembly. A drive mechanism attached to the flow control device is operably coupled to the variable flow resistor when the flow control device is attached to the fluid pathway assembly.

Abstract: An ambulatory medical device for detecting acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device is provided. The medical device includes one or more acceleration, thermal, and/or humidity sensors which detect acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device. In response to detected conditions, the medical device may, among other things, alter the operation of the device, provide an alarm or warning to the user, or transmit data about the detected conditions to another device.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system having a closed-loop control process for delivering a medical fluid to a patient. A fluid infusion system includes a pump for delivering a fluid to a patient via an administration tube. A flow sensor associated with the administration tube provides an indication of the actual flow rate of fluid in the administration tube. Such a flow sensor may comprise a positive displacement flow sensor constructed using micro-fabrication and/or micro-molding techniques. A reader reads the actual flow rate signal and provides an indication to a controller for controlling the pump. The flow rate information can also be used for providing status information, such as the existence of a blockage in the fluid delivery system.

Abstract: An enteral feeding set for an enteral feeding pump having a control system for controlling operation of the pump to supply nutrient liquid to a patient through the enteral feeding set loaded in the pump, a source of electromagnetic radiation for emitting electromagnetic radiation and an electromagnetic radiation detector for receiving the electromagnetic radiation. The enteral feeding set includes a conduit for carrying nutrient liquid to a patient and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit adapted for mounting in the pump. The safety interlock device includes an electromagnetic radiation propagation affecting member formed to affect the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from the source of electromagnetic radiation through the safety interlock device and block visible light when properly loaded on the pump for directing the electromagnetic radiation from the source of electromagnetic radiation to the detector.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a portable infusion pump system can be configured to deliver medicine (e.g., insulin or the like) to a user and to deliver media content to a user. The media content can include, for example, MP3 music and other audio/video data stored in a memory device in the portable system. Thus, in particular embodiments, the portable infusion pump system can serve a dual purpose of providing medication and entertainment for the user from a compact and unobtrusive device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for calculating blood flow and to an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment provided with the device. The device includes a memory for receiving and storing either a first datum relating to a blood flow removed from the patient Qb, or a second datum relating to a flow of liquid Qt crossing a tract of the extracorporeal circuit, and a third datum relating to a flow of infusion liquid Qinf flowing through the infusion line. The device also comprises a control unit able to calculate the first datum or the second datum as a function of the third datum relating to the flow of infusion liquid Qinf.

Abstract: In a patient controlled analgesia (PCA) system, physiological data is processed and alarms are provided by the controller of the physiological module sensing the data according to a first rule. The physiological data is also processed by a second, separate controller according to a second rule independent from the first controller. According to the second rule, the physiological data may be filtered, processed with physiological data and non-physiological data obtained from another source, such as a remote server, and the PCA delivery device controlled to prevent delivery of medication accordingly. The provided system of multiple processors and rules enables normal alarming by physiological sensor modules while the pausing or prevention of the PCA delivery is controlled by a separate controller. Through this means, not only are false pauses and alarms for PCA delivery reduced, but the normal alarms of the monitors are permitted to function normally.

Abstract: Infusion devices with blockage detection capability and methods of monitoring infusion devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the supply of substitution liquid during an extracorporeal blood treatment and to an extracorporeal blood treatment unit equipped with a device for monitoring the supply of substitution liquid. The monitoring of the supply of substitution liquid is based on the measurement of pressure waves, which are generated by the substitution liquid pump, in the extracorporeal blood circulation system. A disturbance in the supply of substitution liquid is inferred when the amplitude of the pressure waves exceeds a predetermined limit value. The amplitude of the pressure waves is preferably monitored in the venous blood line.

Abstract: A combination glucose measuring and insulin pumping device is described. The two major components, a glucose measuring module and an insulin pump, are held together by a quick attach and release mechanism. Communication between the glucose measuring module and the insulin pump is by a wireless modality. The glucose measuring module determines the glucose level in a sample, and wirelessly transmits the data to the insulin pump, where the data are stored in a memory, and are available for visual display on the insulin pump, and for incorporation into selection of appropriate protocols for the rate of insulin infusion by the pump into the patient.

Abstract: A micro fluid delivery device is particularly useful in medical applications. The device may be worn or carried by the user and may deliver drugs or other medicaments to the user or patient. The device has a control system that accepts input from the user and controls all aspects of operation of the device. The control system measures the output of the pump and adjusts the output of the pump to achieve the desired dosage rate and size. This eliminates differences from pump to pump that result from inevitable variations in the manufacturing of such small scale affordable devices.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system using flow rates to extract additional information from an in-line flow sensor. The system provides the ability to determine a position of a movable flow sensor element of a flow sensor by illuminating a photosensitive pixel array with a light source to create a first set of pixel intensity values introducing an abrupt change to the fluid driving pressure, illuminating the photosensitive pixel array with a light source to create a second set of pixel intensity values, and calculating the difference between the first and second sets of pixel intensity values as a function of pixel position.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for determining the composition of fluids, and particularly for describing the identity and concentration of one or more components of a medical fluid such as intravenous fluid. These devices, systems and methods take multiple complex admittance measurements from a fluid sample in order to identify the identity and the concentration of components of the fluid. The identity and concentration of all of the components of the solution may be simultaneously and rapidly determined. In some variations, additional measurement or sensing modalities may be used in addition to admittance spectroscopy, including optical, thermal, chemical, etc.

Abstract: A medicament dispensing system for treatment of a disease is disclosed, the system comprising: (i) detecting means for detecting one or more biochemical marker(s) indicative of the disease; (ii) electronic processing means for processing information obtainable from the detecting means; and (iii) medicament dispensing means for dispensing a quantity of medicament determinable by the electronic processing means. The medicament dispensing system is particularly useful for the treatment of respiratory disorders, such as asthma, or for other disorders which may be treated by inhalation, either through the nose or mouth.

Abstract: A patient hydration system and method wherein hydration fluid is administered to a patient and the patient's urine output is measured either by weight or some other suitable way. A controller is responsive to the patient's urine output measurement and configured to control the infusion rate to hydrate the patient based on the patient's urine output. The controller also detects abnormal patient urine output measurements and initiates corrective action in response.

Abstract: A controller for closed loop control of infusion devices is described. A variety of infusion systems are described that use the closed loop control architecture. In some embodiments the closed loop control may be adapted to current commonly used infusion means such as a gravity feed intravenous system. Other embodiments describe infusion pump system that use biasing or drive mechanisms of springs, elastomers, rotary and linear motors.

Abstract: A patient angle sensor is employed in conjunction with gastric feeding devices to shut off or to reverse the flow of fluid in the tube when the angle of a bed ridden patient becomes sufficient to allow gastric juices to percolate up through the esophagus and into the patient's lungs. In this way incidents of aspirational pneumonia in hospitalized patients is significantly reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a patient monitoring and drug delivery system and associated methods for use during diagnostic, surgical or other medical procedures. The functionality of the invention enables many time consuming and laborious activities to be minimized or moved to a part in the procedure where time is not as critical. The invention is capable of increasing practice efficiency in patient care facilities through system architecture and design into two separate units. A patient unit receives input signals from patient monitoring connections and outputs the signals to a procedure unit. The procedure unit is operational during the medical procedure and controls the delivery of drugs to the patient.

Abstract: A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, an outlet that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient, and a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament to the outlet when actuated. The device further includes a lock-out that disables actuation of the device responsive to a predetermined condition of the device. The lock-out is resettable.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an occlusion sensor system that communicates with control circuitry to detect the presence of an occlusion. In some embodiments, the occlusion sensor system includes first components that are located within a disposable and non-reusable pump device, and second components that are located within a reusable controller device, the second components being in operable communication with the first components to determine whether a fluid is flowing from the pump device.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein include methods and systems for automatically estimating the length of an implantable catheter by measuring the pressure decay response to pumping fluid through the catheter. The decay time for a unit fluid pressure pulse generated within the catheter is proportional to the length of the catheter, i.e. as the length of the catheter increases so does the decay time. The catheter length can therefore be estimated based on, e.g., the decay time of the pressure pulse. The estimated catheter length can also be analyzed to determine if it is representative of the actual length of the catheter, or, e.g., is affected by one or more catheter malfunctions including cuts and occlusions.

Abstract: A method comprises measuring a volume of fluid delivered per pump stroke for each of a plurality of substantially identical medical pumps. The substantially identical medical pumps each have a fixed stroke length. The method further comprises: storing indications of the measured volumes on one or more data storage mediums; and for each of the plurality of substantially identical medical pumps, generating a separate therapy control program based on the indication of the measured volume associated with that one of the plurality of substantially identical medical pumps.

Abstract: Equipment for controlling blood flow in an extracorporeal blood circuit, comprising at least a first sensor, designed to measure an arterial pressure upstream of a peristaltic pump, at least a second sensor, designed to measure an angular velocity of a peristaltic pump, a memory designed to store at least one set value of the desired blood flow through the access branch, a calibration function, and a control unit. The calibration function has at least variables (v1), related to the angular velocity of the pump, (v2), related to the arterial pressure in a portion of the access branch upstream of the peristaltic pump, (v3), related to an actual flow of blood through the access branch.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing modular components in an integrated infusion device and analyte monitoring system where the components are independently replaceable are provided.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system and method for measuring flow at a patient utilizing a differential force sensor in order to precisely control the flow of fluid at very low flow rates. The system includes a fluid line through which a fluid is conveyed to the patient, and a flow controller that selectively varies a rate of flow of the fluid through the fluid line. The differential force sensor can be mounted very close to a point of entry of the fluid into the patient's body. An onboard communications device is controllably coupled to the flow controller and to the force sensor, responds to an output signal, and provides a feedback to the flow controller in a closed-loop process. The system can pump the fluid at a higher frequency until the flow rate is actually reached at the patient and then adjust to the flow rate needed to ensure patient health.

Abstract: A flow rate assessment protocol (140) that may be utilized by a power injector (10) is disclosed. This flow rate assessment protocol (140) monitors a flow rate (156) during execution of a medical fluid delivery protocol (154). This monitored flow rate is compared with a target flow rate (158). A comparative output of this monitored flow rate and target flow rate is displayed (160), for instance on a graphical user interface (11).

Abstract: An ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid drug into a patient's body over an extended period of time and methods thereof are disclosed. The device includes a sensor assembly, which produces a sensor assembly output based on an infusion characteristic of the ambulatory infusion device and based on a supply voltage/current, and a supply unit which is coupled to a sensor of the sensor assembly and generates the supply voltage/current. A sensor testing unit detects a failure of the sensor assembly, wherein the sensor testing unit is coupled to the sensor assembly and the supply unit, and the sensor testing unit carries out a sensor testing sequence. The sensor testing sequence includes controlling the supply unit so as to produce a variation of the supply voltage/current, and determining whether the variation of the supply voltage/current produces a corresponding variation of the sensor assembly output.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled reaction device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to various embodiments, a reaction device is placed in an environment in order to perform a chemical reaction in an environment. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.

Abstract: Stuttering-treatment techniques using neural stimulation and/or drug delivery. One or more electrodes and/or a catheter are implanted adjacent to sites in the brain. A signal generator and the electrode deliver stimulation to a first site. A pump and the catheter deliver one or more therapeutic drugs to a second site. The first and second sites could be: the supplementary motor area, the centromedian circuit, the dorsomedial nuclei, the lateral prefrontal circuit, or other paramedian thalamic and midbrain nuclei. The stuttering treatment could be performed via periodic transcranial magnetic stimulation. A sensor, located near the patient's vocal folds, can be used for generating a signal responsive to activity of the patient's speech-producing muscles. A controller adjusts one or more stimulation parameters in response to the signal from the sensor.

Abstract: An infusion system, which may be a closed loop, or “semi-closed-loop”, infusion system, uses state variable feedback to control the rate at which fluid is infused into a user's body. The closed loop system includes a sensor system, a controller, and a delivery system. The “semi-closed-loop” system further includes prompts that provide indications to the user prior to fluid delivery. The sensor system includes a sensor for monitoring a condition of the user and produces a sensor signal which is representative of the user's condition. The delivery system infuses a fluid into the user at a rate dictated by the commands from the controller. The system may use three state variables, e.g., subcutaneous insulin concentration, plasma insulin concentration, and insulin effect, and corresponding gains, to calculate an additional amount of fluid to be infused with a bolus and to be removed from the basal delivery of the fluid.